Sewing machines are tools used to stich fabric and some other materials using thread. They can be used in domestic environments, as well as in professional environments, especially by tailors and amateurs who have the knowledge and skills to use such a machine. Modern sewing machines are quite different than old ones, their abilities, strength and sewing process being different than those of old sewing machines.

The first sewing machine was invented in 1790 by Thomas Saint during the industrial revolution with the purpose to automatize the sewing process in clothing companies and factories. Ever since, a large number of models and brands have been developed to suit the needs of tailors and clothing producers, as well as fashion designers. Although, home sewing machines are different than those designed for professional use. Models that were designed for home use are smaller in size and less powerful, allowing sewers to sew the bare minimum. Nowadays, modern home sewing machines can be used in all kinds of purposes, especially in DIY (do it yourself) projects.

By contrast, industrial sewing machines are larger and faster. More than that, they tend to cost much more than home machines. The great thing about sewing machines is the fact that they are not only useful for stitching clothes and making various fabric accessories, but they are also an essential tool for patterns and decorative elements. Along time, there were four categories of plain stiches: the chain stitch, the lockstitch, the overlock and the cover stitch.

Most sewing machines have mechanisms comprised of needles, loopers and bobbins. There are five general categories of sewing machines, by motion type. Therefore, when it comes to choosing one for your own, you can opt for drop feed, needle fed, walking foot, puller and manual.

Quilting is one of crafts that require a sewing machine. This is the process through which two or more layers are being sewed together with the purpose to create thick materials. Even though sewing is essential for this craft, other skills like designing are required. Regardless if the quilter is working on functional quilting, fashion and design, art quilting, etc., sewing machines are vital for such activities. In the past, when sewing machines for quilting were not available, the entire process took much longer to finalize, which means orders needed to be placed weeks, if not months, before a particular piece of clothing or art was needed.

Finding the best sewing machine for quilting should not be a difficult process. Today’s market offers so many possibilities and models that buying such a tool can be quite confusing for some of us. This article is meant to analyze the pros and cons of the best-selling sewing machines for quilting out there, with the purpose of giving you an idea of the most worthy products. While reviewing the next ten sewing machines, we have looked at materials, techniques, warranty, abilities and purpose of use. Also, sewing machines’ technology plays an important role during the choosing process, which is why we have included such details in the reviews below.

1. Brother PQ1500S High Speed Quilting and Sewing Machine

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This sewing machine is ideal for home use and those of you who are willing to invest in this tool will practically be investing in a well-done job. It is quite expensive comparing to other similar products, but comes with a wide range of advantages. It has a retractable drop feed, it has the ability to sew up to 1500 stitches per minute, it has a built in needle threader, needle positioner and knee lever.

Its construction is sturdy and has 4 color-coded levels of feed dog adjustment that will help the sewer have maximum visibility and fabric control. Its table extends, which is great for larger projects.

What’s to like about Brother PQ1500S High Speed Quilting and Sewing Machine?
  • Has advanced features
  • Has a digital display
  • Has 4 color coded levels
  • Has expandable table
What’s not to like?
  • Is expensive
  • Can only be used in countries that support 120V AC

2. SINGER 9960 600-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine

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This is a great sewing machine from Singer, moderate-priced, that comes with an extension table and plenty of accessories. It has a beautiful design that makes it look professional and a large display that serves as an advisor. It has instructions printed in its memory, 600 stitches included and 13 built-in styles for buttonholes.

It offers the sewer access to free motion monograms, button sewing and embroidery through its drop feed box. The two LEDs that ensure that the work area is lit have 100 000 hours estimate life. Needle positions can be switched in 25 positions of your choosing and reverse sewing is possible by touching only one button.

What’s to like about SINGER 9960 Quantum Stylist 600-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine?
  • Is affordable
  • Is computerized
  • Has embroidery features
  • Has programmable patterns
  • Is quiet
What’s not to like?
  • Might require a bit of practice before getting used to its many features

3. Brother CS6000i Feature-Rich Sewing Machine

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This is a sewing machine that is ideal for quilting; it comes with 60 stitches that are great for construction and decorative elements, such as embroidery. It is easy to operate, easy to adjust and does not include a foot pedal. It has a digital screen and several buttons for start and stop, option choosing and speed.

The Brother CS6000i sewing machine weighs 13 pounds, is made of plastic and can be used to stitch heavy fabric. It is comfortable to use but sometimes it can shake and move from its place, which is not cool. Even though it can be used for heavy fabrics, industrial ones are not included in this machine’s abilities.

What’s to like about Brother CS6000i Feature-Rich Sewing Machine?
  • Is lightweight
  • Is affordable
  • Has 7 sewing style
  • Has a quilting table included
  • Has bright working area
What’s not like:
  • Only has 60 stitches
  • Cannot be used for commercial activities

4. Brother HC1850 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine

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This is an inexpensive, modern sewing machine that is meant to assist the sewer with daily tasks, as well as quilting. It includes 130 built-in stitches, has a wide work table and a sewing font, and its 9 presser feet is extremely practical. The package includes an instructional DVD which helps beginners with their projects.

Its design is visually pleasant, it does not occupy a large amount of space and it can be easily stored. It has 14 quilting functions and does free-motion quilting which is great for those who quilt regularly. Additionally, it has 8 styles of auto-size buttonholes and 8 feet for zippers, overcasting and more.

What’s to like about Brother HC1850 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine?

  • Is ideal for quilters
  • Has 130 built-in stitches
  • Has a modern design
  • Is inexpensive
  • Has 14 quilting functions
What’s not to like?
  • Cannot handle heavy fabrics
  • Does not come with a case

5. Brother SE400 Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine

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This is and advanced sewing machine that is meant to offer the sewer the possibility to design amazing embroidery models and decorative elements. It has a moderate price, quite affordable for those who use it for business purpose. It is a computerized sewing machine with 70 built-in designs and 67 built-in stitches.

Its design is nice and practical, has an LCD display that allows the user to access the sewing stitches, embroidery designs and lettering fonts. The great thing about this machine is the fact that it can be connected to a computer in order to import a great number of embroidery designs from ibroidery.com.

What’s to like about Brother SE400 Combination Computerized Sewing and 4×4 Embroidery Machine?
  • Has a great design
  • Has embroidery functions
  • Can import embroidery designs from a computer
  • Has a 25-year limited warranty
  • Has a large 4 x 4 embroidery area and a bright workspace
What’s not to like?
  • It might not fit an advanced sewer’s needs

6. Brother XL2600I Sewing Machine

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This is a free-arm sewing machine, great for home-use and comes at an extremely affordable price. It is a great product for newbies, giving the fact that it offers 25 built-in stitches, an accessory storage compartment and several features such as needle threader, drop-in bobbin loading, auto-size buttonholer and more.

It only weighs 15 pounds, which makes it easy to transport or move and has a nice, simple design that will not confuse first-timers. It has an easy stitch selector and several accessories. It is great for every-say projects but not quite suitable for heavy fabrics or clothing such as jeans.

What’s to like about Brother XL2600I Sew Advance Sew Affordable 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine?
  • Has a stitch selector
  • Has a simple design
  • Has a jam free bobbin
  • Has a 25-year warranty
  • Is inexpensive
What’s not to like?
  • Has not display screen
  • Has no invisible zipper

7. Singer S18 Computerized Quilting and Sewing Machine

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This is a great sewing machine that brings numerous benefits. It is one of the expensive sewing tools on the market, but represents a great investment for those who have a true passion or have a sewing business. The Singer S18 Studio has a simple and classy design that is suitable for everyone, has a large, 9x 6 inch sewing space, a large LCD screen and no less than 400 built-in stitches.

It offers at least 50 stitch patterns and has the ability to memorize them. It has a programmable needle, an automatic thread cutter, a knee lifter and a needle threader. Its variable speed control allows the sewer to do from 100 to 600 stitches per minute.

What’s to like about Singer S18 Studio Computerized High Performance Quilting and Sewing Machine?
  • Has a large sewing space
  • Has large LCD display
  • Has 400 stitches
  • Has stitch pattern combinations available
  • Has variable speed control
What’s not to like?
  • Is expensive
  • Requires practice before getting used to it

8. Brother Designio Series DZ2400 Computerized Sewing & Quilting Machine

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The Brother Designio DZ2400 machine is a computerized, moderate-priced tool that is ideal for sewing and quilting. It includes 185 built-in stitches, 130 sewing stitches and 55 alphanumeric stitches. It comes with a wide table and speed control. A bright led enlightens the working area, making it easy to use.

It includes several accessories such as a button sewing foot, an quilting foot, a stitch guide foot, a zipper foot and many more. Also, it has a bilingual user manual and an instructional DVD. This is a great sewing machine for both beginners and advanced users, but some of its parts look fragile, which is a minus.

What’s to like about Brother Designio Series DZ2400 Computerized Sewing & Quilting Machine?
  • Has an affordable price
  • Has 185 built-in stitches
  • Has a wide table
  • Has speed control
  • Has LED light for working area
What’s not to like:
  • Has a fragile thread holder

9. SINGER 7258 100-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine

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As the title says, this sewing machine is an award-winning tool and it comes with a wide variety of features and technologies. Also, it is extremely affordable comparing to other models Singer has released. It is a great product for beginners and intermediate sewers; it has 100 stitches and 10 presser feet, an LED display and a top drop-in bobbin system.

Its classy design is suitable for anyone and its programmable needle makes it easy to use. Also, it has a zipper foot, a satin stitch foot, an overcasting foot and many more. Additionally, it offers automatic tension to ensure a stable stitch.

What’s to like about SINGER 7258 Stylist Award-Winning 100-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine?
  • Has a classy design
  • Has a programmable needle
  • Has a variety of accessories
  • Is inexpensive
  • Is ideal for beginners
What’s not to like?
  • It only includes 100 stitches

10. Brother XR9500PRW Project Runway Sewing Machine

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This is a limited edition sewing machine by Brother that comes with a great price and excellent features. It has 100 stitches that are suitable for decorative and heirloom purposes and many stitch functions. Also, it has 7mm wide zigzag stitches and a built-in sewing font system for monogramming.

Its simple design makes it easy to use by beginners and its accessory compartment helps the sewer keep things organized. It has a back-lit LCD screen that shows stitch selections and a wide table for larger projects. This product also includes a hard cover.

What’s to like about Brother XR9500PRW Limited Edition Project Runway Sewing Machine?
  • Is lightweight
  • Is affordable
  • Has a brightly lit work area
  • Has 140 stitch functions
  • Has an accessory compartment
  • Is a heavy duty machine
What’s not to like?
  • Letters come in small sizes only